Top 10 Things to do in Derby, United Kingdom (UK)

Historic great house, which has remained largely unchanged for most of the 20th century, features unique collections, a landscaped park and walled Gardens.

Derby Museums is an independent trust and organisation run for, and on behalf of, the people of Derby. We provide a museums and arts service, accessible to everyone, and are responsible for the curation of all the artefacts and works of art entrusted to us, and the buildings in which these are held. Our aim as a new organisation is to bring as many of these objects into the public domain as is practically possible and exhibit them in ways that delight and inspire. We also run education and learning programmes, and hold events and Exhibitions with the purpose of sharing knowledge and inspiring creativity and making amongst the people of Derby. As well as schools and student learning, we run many events for adults and groups, as well as families. Our collections and the information we hold about them are as unique as our location and history; we are a city continually shaped and driven by creativity and innovation, located in a valley that changed the world. The services we provide are also designed to promote the city: using its rich and important past to inspire its future.

The Donington Grand Prix Collection is, quite simply, the largest showcase of Grand Prix racing cars in the world and now also incorporates the Wheatcroft Military Collection in the first two halls. Four halls, with over 130 exhibits, illustrate the history of motorsport from the turn of the 20th Century, where visitors can get close to the cars driven by such famous names as Nuvolari, Mansell, Prost, Moss, Fangio and Stewart. Within the Donington Collections, the Grand Prix Collection houses the largest collection of McLaren and Williams racing cars in the world on public viewing (outside of their respective factories), and the only complete collection of Vanwalls in the world. In addition to the Grand Prix car collection, part of The Wheatcroft Collection has also gone on display at the world famous Donington Grand Prix Collection. The first hall has been transformed to hold part of the collection 'never seen before in public'. A number of World War II vehicles and motorcycles have arrived at the museum and more are expected to join these vehicles throughout the coming year. Kevin Wheatcroft, the collections founder, said "The time is right to open the doors to some of these treasures. I have been badgered for many years to show these vehicles to the public and very much look forward to adding more vehicles as each month goes by".

Royal Crown Derby is one of the original companies founded in the 18th Century that is still producing fine bone China in Derbyshire, England today. The company is the most distinguished, authentic Made in England manufacturer supplying English fine bone China tableware, giftware and collectables since 1750 The present factory was established in 1878, but the business traces its origins to the original factory which was set up in Nottingham Road in about 1750. Queen Victoria granted permission to include the title "Royal" in the company name in 1890. The current site on Osmaston Road, Derby stands on a four and half acre site, employing approximately 200 staff. The Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre offers a customer experience whether visiting the 1750 Tea Room, Museum, viewing the latest exhibition arranged by our in-house Museum Curator, taking a factory tour to see our first class products being made by hand or purchasing from the onsite retail shop.

Family run Ice Cream Tea Rooms and Animal Patch. All our luxury artisan ice cream is made on the farm from our own cows milk. We have a good selection to try in our Tea Rooms. The Tea Rooms, offers a good range of delicious homemade food and cake.